Time to reup security suite

wandergirl · 10-05-2009, 10:37 AM

Well it is that time of year again when McAfee 3-in-1 Security Suite hits me up for their big renewal fees. I have seriously been considering going to a different security suite. I have a Dell Inspirion B120 laptop with the Celeron M processor - yes I know it sucks terribly but it is running so I am using it

I have tried to change antivirus packages before to no avail. I have had AVG which had a lot of conflict issues with my system. I would really like to dump McAfee. I had some other one before that which I had to dump because it was too difficult to use.

I am constantly traveling and I use public wifi almost exclusively. What I have liked about McAfee is that it is pretty much mindless and does have a public websurfing option. Also it has never had system conflicts except that it does bog me down like crazy despite having 2 gigs of memory. I also have Webroot Spyware Sweeper, and MalwareBites Anti-malware. All of this is costing a mint! What I don't like is the cost, the lack of any real support when you need it $$$$$ and that I have to have all these other products just to keep my computer free of crap! The scan takes FOREVER - I mean hours - AND EATS UP ALL THE MEMORY.

I have been trying to find out if I could just upgrade the Webroot to their suite for $30.00. The Spyware Sweeper seems to jive with my B120. I can't really find many ratings or product comparisons of their suite. I need something which will protect me in the wild world of public wifi - end of story - which does not seize up my computer while doing so. I would also like a product which offers real support - not just by email like AVG, but will not charge me to remove a virus their stupid product should have protected me from to begin with. I am becoming frustrated with websites comparing antivirus packages because they all choose different ones as "the best" plus the consumer ratings tend to be very different from the editor ratings. Isn't there any real info out there on this stuff which is reliable?!

The website for Webroot is: http://www.webroot.com/productCheck/...sed=4820382720
The only review I could find was here: http://www.brighthub.com/computing/s...ews/34458.aspx

I am open to anything right now before I have to shell out more money....

kimsland · 10-05-2009, 12:32 PM

Um I'm thinking overkill here

Uninstall the horrible (IMO) McAfee
Then run the > McAfee removal Tool (as there will still be parts of it left if you don't) Also you need to be logged in as an Administrator privileged account

Uninstall (horrible again, IMO) Webroot Spyware Sweeper

Restart so its all back to quick again

Download and run CCleaner

Then download; Install; and update to > free Avira Antivirus
I'd suggest to run a fully updated scan, to remove what McAfee missed

Then create a limited User account (Control Panel > Users)
And use that account when you are in transit

All done, at zero cost

gamblingman · 10-05-2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimsland

...create a limited User account (Control Panel > Users)
And use that account when you are in transit...

I totally agree with Kimsland on using the limited user account in transit. That will prevent a lot of problems that could happen if you were on an administrator account.

As for your next anti-virus software, I use Trend Micro and I love it. Their support line is great, always someone who really knows what they are doing (and speaks fluent english).

Their firewall is excellent, so far mine has caught everything the web has thrown at it. I also adjust the parental controls to block web sites that contain: porn, violence, chat/im sites, hacking/proxy avoidance, spyware/virus risks, adult/joke program cookies, illegal drugs, and it also blocks all web advertisement sites.

It may sound odd to run a parental program on myself. But with the chance for redirects* (for instance), its so useful to have enabled.

Avira has the parental controls, but only on the premium package. If I were you, and on the go I'd get the premium package. However, it sounds like your worried about its compatibility with your system. So why not try Avira free for awhile and see how it runs?

AVG (and its free version) is good too, but not as many features as some anti-virus programs offer. Also, I find AVG's interface to be a little annoying and really bland.

BUT,
Some people would disagree on what I've said. I know some people who will not use an "All-in-One" program (anti-virus + firewall). I believe the basis is that if your anti-virus software is compromised, so is your firewall. I don't know about all that. But I would recommend that you not use the windows firewall, its worthless (IMO). I just find that the windows firewall misses a lot. Some people use a firewall from a different manufacturer, though I'm not really knowledgeable about which ones are best.

But whatever you decide on, you absolutely need a firewall, whether its windows or other.

(And if anyone wonders. No, I don't work for any of those companies. This is just my opinion.)

wandergirl · 10-06-2009, 08:54 PM

I will really have to consider what you're suggesting. I have tried a user account before but always found that it made it almost impossible for my computer to update because it requires an admin and this made the user account awkward to use. I would have to log in and out of the account everytime I got online. I live on the road so there is no such thing as "going home" to a normal mode of use. The "user account" would never be temporary. Being in this situation, I have always been wary to use any service which I got for free.

tlarkin · 10-06-2009, 09:57 PM

FWIW, I believe NOD32 has the lowest memory fingerprint of all the AV software (citation needed because I can't remember where I read that), but I can't say I have a lot of experience with that stuff since I only own one Windows box and it is strictly used for gaming. Everything else I do on my Linux box and my Macs.

Bodaggit23 · 10-06-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlarkin

FWIW, I believe NOD32 has the lowest memory fingerprint of all the AV software (citation needed because I can't remember where I read that)

I'd like to see how Microsoft Security Essentials compares to NOD32.

kimsland · 10-06-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wandergirl

I have always been wary to use any service which I got for free.

Well in my opinion free Avira (or even "Microsoft Security Essentials")
Is arguably (as in, not arguably

) way better than bought Antiviruses

Yes some say, and stand by, paid Nod32, and possibly even Kaspersky Internet Security. BUT, I would not pay for any when Avira free Antivirus is usually in top 1 or top 2 of the world unbiased lists

Try free Avira, its free ! And will possibly find Malwares (Virus; Trojans etc) that McAfee missed

wandergirl · 10-08-2009, 09:34 PM

Well, after much consideration, I think I will go with your recommendation Kimsland. I have read about Avira online and it has great reviews and would most likely kill McAfee in a duel. I also read that they do have some support. Is this true? If it is then I am sold considering that it is free and comes with a firewall. My Webroot Spy Sweeper expires in April - I could just leave it alone until then, I do get online backup with it. Does anyone else know of online backup services which are good and not costly? The only drawback is that I have read that Avira's features are hard to configure if you don't know much. What say you?

tlarkin · 10-08-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wandergirl

Well, after much consideration, I think I will go with your recommendation Kimsland. I have read about Avira online and it has great reviews and would most likely kill McAfee in a duel. I also read that they do have some support. Is this true? If it is then I am sold considering that it is free and comes with a firewall. My Webroot Spy Sweeper expires in April - I could just leave it alone until then, I do get online backup with it. Does anyone else know of online backup services which are good and not costly? The only drawback is that I have read that Avira's features are hard to configure if you don't know much. What say you?

What kind of back up services?

If you want to sync documents between lots of computers you can try dropbox, which there is a free and pay for versions

www.getdropbox.com

techdude · 10-20-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlarkin

What kind of back up services?

If you want to sync documents between lots of computers you can try dropbox, which there is a free and pay for versions

www.getdropbox.com

Just get a external hard drive with massive storage. With online storage you have to deal with the speed of your internet connection, but with a external hard drive, you run at the speed of USB or Firewire.

10-05-2009, 10:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
wandergirl New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: home is where you park it Posts: 23	Time to reup security suite - would love some input Well it is that time of year again when McAfee 3-in-1 Security Suite hits me up for their big renewal fees. I have seriously been considering going to a different security suite. I have a Dell Inspirion B120 laptop with the Celeron M processor - yes I know it sucks terribly but it is running so I am using it I have tried to change antivirus packages before to no avail. I have had AVG which had a lot of conflict issues with my system. I would really like to dump McAfee. I had some other one before that which I had to dump because it was too difficult to use. I am constantly traveling and I use public wifi almost exclusively. What I have liked about McAfee is that it is pretty much mindless and does have a public websurfing option. Also it has never had system conflicts except that it does bog me down like crazy despite having 2 gigs of memory. I also have Webroot Spyware Sweeper, and MalwareBites Anti-malware. All of this is costing a mint! What I don't like is the cost, the lack of any real support when you need it $$$$$ and that I have to have all these other products just to keep my computer free of crap! The scan takes FOREVER - I mean hours - AND EATS UP ALL THE MEMORY. I have been trying to find out if I could just upgrade the Webroot to their suite for $30.00. The Spyware Sweeper seems to jive with my B120. I can't really find many ratings or product comparisons of their suite. I need something which will protect me in the wild world of public wifi - end of story - which does not seize up my computer while doing so. I would also like a product which offers real support - not just by email like AVG, but will not charge me to remove a virus their stupid product should have protected me from to begin with. I am becoming frustrated with websites comparing antivirus packages because they all choose different ones as "the best" plus the consumer ratings tend to be very different from the editor ratings. Isn't there any real info out there on this stuff which is reliable?! The website for Webroot is: http://www.webroot.com/productCheck/...sed=4820382720 The only review I could find was here: http://www.brighthub.com/computing/s...ews/34458.aspx I am open to anything right now before I have to shell out more money.... Last edited by wandergirl; 10-05-2009 at 10:42 AM.

10-06-2009, 09:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
tlarkin VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 9,933	FWIW, I believe NOD32 has the lowest memory fingerprint of all the AV software (citation needed because I can't remember where I read that), but I can't say I have a lot of experience with that stuff since I only own one Windows box and it is strictly used for gaming. Everything else I do on my Linux box and my Macs. __________________ Typical Signature: <Computer Specs> -numbers I read off a box -parts I assembled in a case all by myself -benchmark score "Will the man with telekenesis please raise my hand?" - Vonnegut chown -R us /.base Get a grep!

10-08-2009, 09:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
wandergirl New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: home is where you park it Posts: 23	I think I will take Kimland's advice on Avira but have questions Well, after much consideration, I think I will go with your recommendation Kimsland. I have read about Avira online and it has great reviews and would most likely kill McAfee in a duel. I also read that they do have some support. Is this true? If it is then I am sold considering that it is free and comes with a firewall. My Webroot Spy Sweeper expires in April - I could just leave it alone until then, I do get online backup with it. Does anyone else know of online backup services which are good and not costly? The only drawback is that I have read that Avira's features are hard to configure if you don't know much. What say you?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Upgrading - Xmas time...gotta love it!	double-dragon	Desktop Computers	6	11-04-2005 11:28 AM
First time computer build. Need input.	yawgmoth	Desktop Computers	17	08-02-2005 04:14 AM
Need recommendation on internet security suite	newbie2005	Computer Security	3	06-13-2005 03:58 AM
In order to install SP2...	manni420	Operating Systems	5	03-20-2005 04:14 AM

10-05-2009, 12:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
kimsland Platinum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 882	Um I'm thinking overkill here Uninstall the horrible (IMO) McAfee Then run the > McAfee removal Tool (as there will still be parts of it left if you don't) Also you need to be logged in as an Administrator privileged account Uninstall (horrible again, IMO) Webroot Spyware Sweeper Restart so its all back to quick again Download and run CCleaner Then download; Install; and update to > free Avira Antivirus I'd suggest to run a fully updated scan, to remove what McAfee missed Then create a limited User account (Control Panel > Users) And use that account when you are in transit All done, at zero cost

10-06-2009, 08:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
wandergirl New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: home is where you park it Posts: 23	I will really have to consider what you're suggesting. I have tried a user account before but always found that it made it almost impossible for my computer to update because it requires an admin and this made the user account awkward to use. I would have to log in and out of the account everytime I got online. I live on the road so there is no such thing as "going home" to a normal mode of use. The "user account" would never be temporary. Being in this situation, I have always been wary to use any service which I got for free.